Melissa Cookston
Mid-South barbecue celebrity Melissa Cookston will judge a Netflix food competition called American Barbecue Showdown, which airs September 18th.
Cookston is the owner of Memphis BBQ Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi and Dunwoody, Georgia. She’s the author of two cookbooks, Smokin’ In the Boy’s Room and Smokin’ Hot in the South. Her wins on the competitive barbecue circuit have earned her the title as the “Winningest Woman in Barbecue.”
Judging the competition with Cookston is Kevin Bludso, founder of Bludso’s BBQ in Los Angeles. The show is hosted by AP Bio star Lyric Lewis and Floor is Lava host Rutledge Wood.
Melissa Cookston
Each episode has Cookston and Bludso tasking the contestants — “the best backyard smokers” — with a challenge that will test their barbecue skills “in ways they couldn’t possibly imagine,” reads a news release. “The contestants will have to prove they have the skills to smoke another day while navigating obstacles such as unique meats and old school techniques.” The winner will be dubbed American Barbecue Champion.
“I am thrilled to be a judge on American Barbecue Showdown on Netflix working alongside Kevin Bludso, Lyric Lewis, and Rutledge Wood,” said Cookston. “The contestants were all great and we had so much fun! We can’t wait to watch it when it launches on September 18th”
Melissa Cookston
John Hesling, president of Maverick TV USA, one of the producers of the show, said, “distinct flavors, techniques, creativity, and humor are all on display as our barbecue competitors are put to the test in the hottest battle they’ve ever faced in American Barbecue Showdown.”
